Suggested:
Meet SHVVN—an artist from Nottingham whose fusion of RnB, melodic rap, and Afro Pop isn’t just reshaping the sound of emerging UK talent, but bringing bold vulnerability to the forefront.
Since officially stepping into the scene in 2018, she’s carved out a space where emotion meets precision, where influences range from Aaliyah to Amaarae, and where every track reflects both experience and intuition.
Her story starts in local venues, carried by raw passion and sharpened in studio sessions. BBC Introducing was one of the first platforms to catch on. Since then, SHVVN’s been on a steady rise—from performing for 17,000 at The Hundred Cricket Game to songwriting trips in LA. Her EP Pressure is a new chapter, spotlighting a voice that doesn’t play by genre rules—it plays by feeling.
Fusion Over Formula
SHVVN doesn’t stay in one sound. Her music moves with intention, drawing from the timeless feel of 2000s RnB while slipping into the contemporary edge of melodic rap and Afro Pop. “I follow the vibe and the feeling in the moment,” she says. Whether it's a heavy beat or a light groove, her voice adapts, often dancing between softness and assertion.
She cites Usher’s emotive melodies and Destiny’s Child’s fierce harmonies as key early influences. Today, names like Doja Cat and Victoria Monét push her creatively. “I don’t aspire to fit in a box,” she notes—and it’s clear she doesn’t. SHVVN’s style is fluid, never over-calculated, yet always intentional.
Writing with Intuition
If you ask her how she writes, it starts with the beat. SHVVN’s approach to songwriting is instinctive—she lets the mood guide her pen. Melodies come first, words follow, often reflecting love, relationships, or self-discovery. “We all go through similar things,” she says. “If I can remind my listeners to stand on business when it comes to boundaries and make them feel empowered, then let’s go.”
There’s a lived-in honesty to her writing, whether she’s storytelling or reflecting. Vulnerability isn’t something she avoids—it’s part of the package. “I’ve embodied the notion of being less filtered,” she says. “It’s what we connect with, so why mask it?”
Big Stages and Bigger Dreams
Performing live is where SHVVN feels the magic hit. Despite the nerves, she thrives off the adrenaline, leaning into a little ‘delulu’ confidence to take the stage by storm. Her highlight reel includes major moments—Latitude, The Great Escape, and that unforgettable show at Trent Bridge. But she’s far from done. Glastonbury and Coachella are already pinned on her vision board.
When it comes to collaborations, SHVVN’s dreams are loud and global. She’s already written for BIA in LA, but eyes are set on creatives like Jhene Aiko, Victoria Monét, and producers like Timbaland. “Being recognized for my artistry by someone I rate so highly... it was a pinch-me moment,” she recalls.
On Her Own Frequency
SHVVN isn’t chasing trends—she’s building trust with her sound. Over time, her songwriting has matured, her confidence grown, and her direction sharpened. There’s a clear sense of evolution, but she’s still rooted in the freedom to explore.
To those watching her rise, she’s got a message: “Every artist needs a sprinkle of delusion. If you don’t ride for yourself, who will?” That same energy flows through her tracks—empowering, raw, and unafraid to tell the truth.
Stay tuned—SHVVN isn’t just next. She’s now.
